Infielder released after arrest for DUI

ST. PETERSBURG -- Minor-league infielder Mike Metcalfe was released by the Rays a day after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence and property damage.

"We asked him to take care of his personal life and not let it affect things on the field, and it did," manager Larry Rothschild said. "We told him there would be certain consequences. It's a shame."

Around 3:30 Wednesday morning, Tampa police found Metcalfe asleep behind the wheel of a 1998 silver BMW, his foot on the brake and the engine running. When an officer approached to wake him, Metcalfe sped off, only to crash shortly thereafter at the intersection of N Myrtle Avenue and West Street.

The officer followed Metcalfe and noted he had glassy and bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelled like alcohol. Metcalfe failed sobriety tests at the scene. After his arrest, police said his blood-alcohol level was tested to be about .17, more than twice the legal limit.

Metcalfe, 27, posted $1,000 bond and walked out of the Hillsborough County jail at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. On jail logs, he listed his occupation as unemployed.